Crane-Related Fatalities in the Construction Industry
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132, Issue 9
Abstract
One of the major causes of fatalities during construction is the use of cranes or derricks during lifting operations. Using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) case files from fatality investigations during the years 1997–2003, the writers examined the data to determine the proximal causes and contributing physical factors. The research results showed the use of mobile cranes with lattice and telescopic booms, truck or crawler mounted, represented over 84% of the fatalities in the use of cranes/derricks. To reduce the rate of crane fatalities the writers believe that crane operators and riggers should be qualified and requalification should occur every . Crane safety training must be provided to specialty trade crafts before they are allowed to work around cranes during lifting operations. In addition, a “diligent” competent person [as defined in 29CFR 1926.32(f)] should be in charge of all aspects of lifting operations. Finally, OSHA should improve its system of collecting information during fatality investigations, placing emphasis on intervention strategies to improve usefulness of the investigations to researchers and policymakers inside and outside the Agency.
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Acknowledgments
This research paper was supported by Contract No. UNSPECIFIEDJ9F20016 with the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The contents are solely the responsibility of the writers and do not necessarily represent the official views of the United States Department of Labor.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132 • Issue 9 • September 2006
Pages: 901 - 910
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Mar 15, 2005
Accepted: Jan 30, 2006
Published online: Sep 1, 2006
Published in print: Sep 2006
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